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The Black Country's new City Deal will create 1,500 apprenticeships in high-value manufacturing jobs, providing support for almost 3,000 long-term unemployed people in the area to help them find a job.

Speaking on behalf of the local authorities, Councillor Roger Lawrence, Leader of Wolverhampton City Council said:

The City Deal is an excellent example of how the Black Country’s public and private sector work together for the benefit of all. The changes that will come about as a result of the deal will make a real difference to tackling youth unemployment and providing the skills for the jobs of the future.

Chair of the Black Country LEP, Stewart Towe, said feedback from businesses suggests that assisting the growth of high-value manufacturing is critical to the prosperity of the Black Country.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has heaped praise on the new deal that is set to create 5,800 new manufacturing jobs and £130million of private investment for the Black Country.

Mr Clegg said of the deal:

This marks the beginning of a new era of growth and prosperity in the Black Country. This isn’t pointless Whitehall jargon: this deal has the genuine power to change the fortunes of many people across the region by creating new jobs, boosting businesses and providing new housing...

Between government Minister for Cities Greg Clark, local authorities and the Local Enterprise Partnership, the City Deal has been made in recognition of the Black Country’s role in the UK economy; where high-value manufacturing represents the largest concentration of jobs of any LEP area.